A Study of The Factors That Affect The Teaching and Learning of Primary School Art/Crafts and Agriculture as Prevocational Subjects in Hamisi Division of Kakamega District.

Abstract

This study was conducted in Hamisi division of Kakamega district in the Republic of Kenya. The research design of the study was a single element survey.

The purpose of this study was to try and find out the problems that teachers and pupils encounter(ed0 in the teaching and learning of the newly emphasized prevocational subjects - with special emphasis to Art/Crafts and Agriculture - in the division's primary schools. It was envisaged by the researcher that such factors fell into two broad categories: -

(i) Physical factors and (ii) Psychological (mental) factors.

In view of the historical "down-grading" of these subjects in primary schools by leading educationists (Ominde, 1964), the examining bodies and subsequently by teachers, pupils and parents, the researcher had changed such that they are now examinable in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination. It was also the aim of the researcher to find out whether any lagging negative attitudes, if any, among the teachers and pupils did affect the teaching and learning of these subjects.

The researcher also sought to establish the effects of such physical factors as lack of (or inadequate) classrooms, workshops, textbooks, writing materials etc). On the teaching and learning of these subjects.

The researcher collected the information required by means of observation, oral discussions/interviews and administration of questionnaires to the headteachers, the teachers teaching Art/Crafts and Agriculture in standards 7 and 8 and the pupils in the two classes.

He then analysed and reported his findings and made appropriate recommendations on the subject.